The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer by Renée Fleming
Reviewed by Vicki Carver
Anyone who has an interest in learning about what is involved in
becoming a professional singer may enjoy reading a new book called The
Inner Voice, The Making of a Singer by Renée Fleming .
Ms. Fleming was born near Rochester, New York and grew up in an
environment where both parents were heavily involved in choral music.
She began singing as a young girl and began to study voice seriously as
a student at the State University of New York at Potsdam.
After graduation from college, Ms. Fleming continued her studies in the
United States and Europe eventually becoming recognized as an
accomplished soprano. She married and had two daughters, Amelia and Sage.
In The Inner Voice Ms. Fleming discusses the physical and emotional
aspects of singing professionally. Becoming an operatic singer involves
great strength in order to succeed. At all times a singer must consider
what is occurring in his or her life and the environment. Ms. Fleming
watches caffeine intake before a performance and also avoids air
conditioning. Stress can be extremely detrimental for a singer’s ability
to perform well.
The Inner Voice actually allows the reader to experience a performance
from backstage as she details an evening at the opera from behind the
scenes at Lincoln Center.
Listening to Ms. Fleming sing is an exhilarating experience for anyone
who enjoys opera and works of composers such as Mozart, Puccini or
Verdi. As the owner of one of Fleming’s CD’s it is exciting music to
iron to. The Inner Voice provides a look inside the world of a
professional singer enabling readers to better understand what enables
Fleming to sing so beautifully.